Mike Tyson Has Broken Ground On His Giant Cannabis Ranch In California

Boxing and cannabis don't exactly go hand in hand, but when has former world heavyweight Mike Tyson ever been conventional?

The boxing champ can count owning several tigers and biting an opponent's lug off among his more bizarre exploits - and now he can add owning a giant, fuck-off weed farm to the list.

Following the legalisation of marijuana in California, Tyson has set his sights firmly on conquering the legal cannabis market, and he plans to do it by building his very own 40-acre growing facility.

Tyson recently broke ground on 'Tyson Ranch', a space dedicated to cultivating high-quality weed located just 60 miles south-west of Death Valley.

Credit: PA

Half of the land will be used to grow the plants in a way that 'will allow master growers to have maximum control of their environment,' while a significant portion will also be used as a sort of growing academy, dubbed the Tyson Cultivation School, which aims to teach growers the latest methods of marijuana production.

In addition, The Blast reports that Tyson Ranch will include a hydro-feed plant and supply store, extraction facility, edible factory (that's a factory that produces edible cannabis products, as opposed to a factory you can eat), premium 'glamping' campgrounds and cabins. And to top it all off? An amphitheatre. Because everyone needs an amphitheatre.

Breaking ground at the new site last week, the former professional boxer was joined by business partners Robert Hickman, Jay Strommen and also city mayor Jennifer Wood.

Tyson aims to cash in on the big boom in marijuana-related business, or the so-called 'green rush' that is expected now that the drug has been legalised.

Credit: PA

The Blast also reports that Tyson is a long-time believer in the healing properties of marijuana and his ranch will aim to help improve research into the plant's uses as a form of medicine.

CBD, a cannabis compound with no psychoactive properties, has already been proven to be a highly-effective anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, anti-oxidant and anti-psychotic agent. It has also been used successfully to treat those suffering from PTSD.

Tyson has been relatively quiet about his involvement with cannabis up until now, although he did say in a 2010 AP interview that one of his biggest regrets was turning down the opportunity to blaze with Tupac.

"He always wanted me to smoke weed with him, and I never did it, and I wish I did," he said during the phone interview.

Tyson admitted that he declined as he was a 'closet smoker' and didn't want word getting out that he used the drug.

"That's my biggest regret," he said.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Paddy Maddison

Paddy Maddison is a freelance journalist and frequent contributor to LADbible. He specialises in men's lifestyle, music and news, which has seen him work with publications including ShortList, FashionBeans, Menswear Style and many industry-leading brands. Contact him at [email protected]

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